The Shaitan rolls her eyes and sways her head impatiently as the paladin blabbers on. "Enough of your life story! So the Proteans come back begging after they attack us? How pathetic! But any deal would need to be made through Obherak. Now I tire of you. Come back here at the next dawn and I will arrange a meeting."

She turns and starts walking away, but as she does so she phases into the ground as if walking down stairs that are not there. In a matter of seconds, she is gone, her head disappearing through the stone floor of the temple.

Watching the retreating form of the Shaitan until she has disappeared from view he turns toward Zulfiqar with a broad smile and a bow to her, "I apologize in being remiss in my introduction to you earlier Mistress of Riddles. (with a glance toward the gargoyles) Do you have any suggestions on a safe place to camp? Perhaps we can pick up our conversation where we left off if you are amenable."

The Sphinx watches the Shaitan go, the anger still visible on her face. As Bahir addresses her, she turns back causing her hair to swing off her bosom momentarily. "I.. um.. don't think you should remain here. It would not be safe for you. I recommend you depart until tomorrow." Her anger seems to have changed to nervousness. She nods upward slightly. "They would not take well to trespassers."

Wow, definitely a good time for that roll. Was hoping I had made it fairly handily but obviously that was not the case. Thanks for letting me know. <does celebratory chair dance> Nice to be made of AWESOME SAUCE every once in awhile. :D

He nods to her while turning to leave but pauses as a thought occurs to him, "Do you have any advice on what to do and what not to do in our audience with Obherak tomorrow? I would hate to offend."

Heading back away from the crater, you find a suitable place to camp for the night with the golden bowl still in sight on the horizon. No need to hide your presence this time as they already know you are here. Watches are set up again, just like last night and periodically you see the gargoyles take off and land in the distance from the temple rooftop.

During the night, that same persistent dream returns with the cat. You know what is going to happen at the end, but for some reason you still follow the cat up to the large bronze mausoleum. You awake again as the cat howls deafeningly.

Wisdom DC16:

As you wake, you feel a strong mental pull to the east for a few seconds. The words, "Isle of the Dead" come unbidden to your lips.

The Shaitans and Gargoyles leave you unmolested during the night and you wake as the reddish glow is forming on the eastern sky.

Mah'ysa rubs her forehead in frustration.
"That dream again. I tell you, it reminds me of the tale those creation spirits told about the wizard who locked himself in this realm along with his enemies. He was caught in a place of stones... I think."
"By the way, the Shaitan can walk through stone like it was water, they are immune to lightning, and their very tough skin can only easily be overcome with either adamantine weapons or at least a very strongly enchanted one."

Packing back up from the night's rest and morning meal (assuming rations and berries from before) you make your way back to the temple on the edge of the crater. A minute or so before you make it to your destination, Bahir says some prayers to the Dawnflower, requesting her divine favor in the coming negotiations. (Only have to worry about the Eagle's Splendor running out, has a duration of 9 minutes.)

As you approach, the Sphinx sees you and disappears into the temple momentarily before returning with four others, all apparently Shaitans and all towering in height over the six of you. The woman you recognize from yesterday, as she walks scimitar in hand next to the man who must be the one named Obherak. He approaches with an air of confidence about him. He wields a giant falchion in his hands, flames rising from its deadly blade. Two more male Shaitans stand on either side of them, large scimitars still hanging from their belts.

The gargoyles watch like statues from above as the group stops at the edge of the temple's stone base. The two outer Shaitans stop and cross their arms as Obherak steps forward. "Iqilma states you are here to bargain for the protean's life. What bargain could you possibly bring?" His voice is deep and rough.

Bahir once again bows but meets the shaitan's gaze with a steady one of his own, "Greetings mighty Obherak. It is as you say. Being new to your realm I do not presume to know what your desires or wishes are. What price would you ask for such a boon? Treasure? A service? We are small but more than capable and willing to demonstrate it."

Proteans are beings of pure chaos who live in the Maelstrom, an eternal entropy of limbo and chaos that represents what would exist without existence. These creatures are believed to be able to make realty to their own whims and that all other forms of creation exist because of them.

Bahir: Sorry, I haven't been playing up the Vardishal angle like I could.

Hatred swells up through the hilt that Bahir rests his hand on. Vardishal's thoughts cloud the Paladin's mind as he tries to focus on the situation at hand. The sight of Obherak has awakened the spirit within. The Shaitan before you was the leader of the Earth Jinns in Jhavhul's army! The Shaitans were fighting side-by-side with the Efreeti in the battle were Vardishal was slain. Conflict swells up between wanting you to avenge his death and realizing that this is probably not the time nor place to do so.

Whoops, I missed the previous post. Looks like you posted the same time I did but mine came in second and I only looked after that post.

As Bahir bows and states his peace, he focuses on the Shaitians and says a small prayer to Sarenrae. As Obherak bellows out a chuckle at Bahir's statement, searing pain courses through Bahir's mind as the overwelming power of the Shaitian's evil aura takes hold. You visibly wince in pain and find yourself useless for many seconds until the effect fades.

The giant Shaitan bellows out, "What can you do for me when you cringe at my very presence? My desire is to rule all of Kakishon!" He raises his arms wide in the air, pointing his flaming falchion high up for a moment. "Look around you. This is paradise. Had this realm's creator slain the Proteans after their work building this realm was completed rather than just banishing them to the Isles of Not, Kakishon would have endured forever! Yet he was crippled by cowardice and compassion, I suspect, as are all men. He could not bring himself to slay his slaves, and instead just locked them away in a place where their anger would be allowed to fester and grow. Now they threaten my paradise, wishing to dismantle it and undo reality. The binds holding them are weakening and soon they will succeed."

He looks straight down at Bahir, his eyes seemingly piercing through his soul. "What I desire is that all of the Proteans are slain."

Oof! Not good. Heh, seems I may regret asking the Vardishal angle. And to my companions, I apologize in advance for the paladin not thinking this one through completely.

Caught off guard by the wave of evil that sweeps over him Bahir takes a moment to shake his head to clear it, "It begins to become clear...that your wishes and ours differ greatly. You would have us trapped here with you. I can feel the evil flowing from you but I do not sense it from your subjects. Do they share your wish to remain trapped?" He slowly deliberately unsheathes his scimitar and then mimics the shaitan by holding it up high, "Do you recognize this blade? Because Vardishal recognizes you servant of Jhavhul!"

Intimidate (dazzling display): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30

He'll activate his smite evil against Obherak as a swift action with his intimidate.

The two Shaitians on the side instinctively draw their large scimitars and begin moving forward, ready for battle. But Obherak immediately holds up his free hand, signaling them to stop. His eyes maintain their gaze upon the Paladin. "I no longer serve that fool or anyone. Nor do I desire to trap you here, though only a fool would wish to leave this paradise. If you wish to leave, I can help you do that. But only if you first travel to the Isles of Not and wipe out every last Protean from this place." He seems to ignore the comments about evil flowing from him. He seems a little unsure of himself in his body language, something that wasn't there before.

Bahir's eyes narrow and he lowers his scimitar but keeps it in his hand, "Killing the proteans that have done me no great harm and only wish the return of one of their own is not a deal I will make. This is not a paradise, it is a prison. A nice prison, but a prison all the same. You call others cowards but it is you who is hidden here." He impatiently cuts through the air in front of him with the sword, "All this is beside the point. You yourself said that the proteans would soon succeed in unmaking this place with or without our help. Free Magiyawalla to me and I will do my best to see that this realm remains intact if possible. It is in my interest to do so as you will be locked away from doing the world anymore harm. The way I see it you have little choice if you wish to save your home." Touching his holy symbol emblazoned on his shield, "If you know anything of my faith than you know my word to be good." He addresses the others, "Once again I ask you, do you all wish to remain imprisoned here?"

"Your faith means nothing to me. This may be a prison to you, but it was I who was the prisoner before. Here I am free! And that freedom is being threatened by those who can't see it. I would gladly banish all who don't belong here and seal off the entrance. And with Jhavhul and his army gone now, no one is going to stop me. If you are unwilling to kill the proteans to earn your own freedom, then I have no choice. We'll have to do it ourselves. And if you are not on our side, then you must be on theirs." He turns his head to the side and barks out something in a strange, rough language.

In Terran:

"Men, rise!"

Behind Obherak, six more Shaitians rise out of the stone floor of the temple. Each with a large scimitar in hand, they advance forward, three on each side forming a large arc around your party. There is now a total of 10 Shaitians in front of you, including Obherak and Iqilma, Zulfiqar the Sphinx, and a hand full of Gargoyles watching from high above. Obherak says in a commanding voice, "War is inevitable. Which side are you on?"

Correction: I had previously stated in a spoiler for Knowledge(Planes) succeeded and shared by Mah'ysa that the Shaitians needed Adamantine or +3 enchanted weapons to do much damage, but now I can't find that. I figured out what I did. In a stat block one-page over in the book is a different creature that does have such a requirement. I must have looked at the wrong one. It is not the Shaitian.

I've put together a map of your current situation. Link here The crater edge is the right edge of the map. The stone floor of the temple is the dark gray slab. It extends about 40 feet over the edge of the Golden Bowl. Sitting on top of this slab is a giant colonnade supporting the roof of this open air temple. Everything appears to be made of granite. The roof is the light gray section on the map. The gargoyles are sitting on top of the roof, about 40 feet above you.

Ohhhh boy, I sure hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew. My AC is currently a 36 to just Obherak because of smite evil. Not sure if he is still effected due to my demoralizing dazzling display but here's hoping...

No Mah'ysa? Should I wait? If nothing by tomorrow I'll have her hold her position and say a quick prayer to the Dawnflower for Bahir's safety. (Cast Prayer) This could potentially have an impact on the whole battle so I'd really rather wait.

Either that or something a little less invasive would be enchanting his blade with the holy property simply with a touch (no spell-casting needed for that). But yes, I was wanting to see Mah'ysa's reaction to the whole thing. However, I think we don't want to lose the intensity of the situation either.

Quite deep into his own tirade, "How will your people view their lea.....wait? You accept?" He blinks in stunned disbelief as the shaitan thunders toward him.

Mah'ysa froze for a moment, seeing how diplomacy had come unravelled so quickly. With only a moment to act, she prays before the Dawnflower...
The Blessing of Fervor[APG]. On all her allies.
School transmutation; Level cleric 4
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, DF
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Targets one creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
Duration 1 round/level
Saving Throw Fortitude negates (harmless); Spell Resistance yes (harmless)
With this blessing, you call your allies to move forth and empower them to conquer and become victorious. Each round for the duration of this spell, each of your allies can choose one of the following bonuses for that round at the beginning of its turn (their choice).
•Increase its speed by 30 feet.
•Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
•Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
•Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
•Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
These effects are not cumulative with similar effects, such as those provided by haste or a speed weapon, nor do they actually grant an extra action, so you can't use it to cast a second spell or otherwise take an extra action in the round. Blessing of fervor does not stack with haste.

Mah'ysa quickly says a prayer to the Dawnflower, granting her allies a blessing. But no sooner than she's done does the shaitian leader step forward. Instead of moving up to engage Bahir, he flings a handful of what seems like fine golden sand. It sprays out and covers everyone but Paellat, who had stepped back before the challenge.

Everyone but Pae make a Will Save DC15. On failure, you are blinded.

PRD wrote:

Blinded: The creature cannot see. It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks. All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character. Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone. Characters who remain blinded for a long time grow accustomed to these drawbacks and can overcome some of them.

Immediately after you are assaulted with golden sand, you feel a rumbling. For those who manage to retain your sight, the ground between Bahir and the rest of you sprays upward and wall of stone rises out of the ground, about 8 feet tall and completely blocking your view of Bahir and Obherak. The rest of the Shaitians hold their ground, but bellow out chuckles and hardy laughter as Obherak toys with his pray.

Round 1 - Everyone is up. If anyone would like to suggest actions for Daumari and Efreat, I will use a PC suggested action over my own selection. This is assuming Efreat and Daumari do not post. Efreat said he was back, but I haven't seen any posts since.

Correction to Correction: While Shaitians don't inherently have damage reduction that requires +3 weapons or adamantime to bypass, they do have the ability to cast Stoneskin upon themselves as a spell-like ability, a spell which for them lasts at least 90 minutes and which they cast before coming to this meeting. So the original statement on them was essentially correct.

Due to his Shaded Vision class ability, Hazreem is immune to the glitterdust.

Hazreem barely notices the sparkling sand and easily shrugs off its effects. The stone wall however was another story. Glad he was able to gain the aid of the Proteans earlier, he draws the wand provided to him and readies to activate it.

Standard action: Ready to activate wand of Stone Shape to open a hole in the Wall of Stone should Bahir call for it.
He elects to gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves from Mah'ysa'a spell.
.
I feel both Daumari and Efreat should ready actions should the other Shaitans and/or gargoyles move to attack. Since we are (badly) outnumbered here, I don't want to provoke them to attack us now. Daumari should move to help Bahir, either going around the wall of stone or through it once Hazreem acts. Efreat can use his fireball against the airborne targets.

Still taken off-guard by the sudden attack the paladin takes a face full of the glittering dust. Unable to see his opponent he takes up a fully defensive posture behind his shield and tries to blink away the blinding particles.

Ok, going total defensive this round (+4 to AC) and uses the defense (+2 to AC) from Mah'ysa's spell (luckily dodge bonuses stack). Oh wait, I don't get any dodge bonus because I am denied my dex so scratch fighting defensively or the spell defense. So total AC is 29+5smite(only +5 counts since doesn't stack with ring)-2blind-1lostdexbonus=31AC

He'll take a 5' step forward toward his foe. Thought about throwing a fireball but he doesn't want to hit the other shaitan around Obherak.

Ah, wait a second. Missed my save when he originally cast the spell (his turn) but get a second save at the end of my first action. Works kind of like hold person in that regard, I think. Second will save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24. I guess that means my AC returns at the end of my turn (which would make my AC 40 after my initiative).

Grabbing the wand of stone shape, Hazreem stands ready to punch a hole in the wall if the Paladin calls for aid. But Bahir goes blind and doesn't even notice the wall behind him. In fact, he steps forward away from the wall before he eye-sight returns and he stands ready to deflect the shaitian's attack. Meanwhile, Pae rushes up and climbs the wall, spouting obscenities in their earthy language.

Daumari (NPC'd), with his adamantine meteor hammers hanging at the ready, quickly moves to go around the wall. But he is stopped short by the shaitain bodyguard who makes it clear with his scimitar that he is not to interfere. The Inquisitor is forced to only glance over at Bahir as it keeps his eyes on the two shaitians behind him. Efreat (NPC'd) keeps his eye on the sky, ready to shoot off fireworks if necessary. So far the Gargoyles are staying put above.

Mah'ysa, any action? Or just holding since you didn't specify anything but your will save?

The Shaitain to Obherak's right steps forward and gestures towards the little Halfling on top of the wall with his blade, responding in turn.

In Terran:

"That's quite a mouth you have for such a puny man! One that you'll be missing once I pound you into the sand."

The other Shaitians start to move back in order to try and get a better view of the action. Obherak himself only gives the halfling a cursory glance as he keeps his focus on Bahir as the Paladin advances. "I admire your courage, little man." This he says a moment before he lets loose his falchion.

In quite succession, the large stone man thrusts and slashes with expert skill. Still getting the sand out of his eyes, Bahir doesn't quite see the first one coming and the burning blade cuts in under his armor. The blade is painful in itself, but the unnatural fire sears the cut as it slices. (Total Damage: 30) Cheers comes from the other shaitians as his blade hits. Bahir's training helps him fight through the pain and this time he is able to deflect the next swings with his own blade and shield. And with that Obherak falls back into a defensive posture and spouts, "I could easily strike you down. Yield and I may spare you."

Chiding himself for being so easily caught off guard, the holy warrior realizes that he must take down this opponent quickly or perish. Gritting his teeth against the pain Bahir comes out from behind his shield and simply says, "You talk too much," before answering with a series of frost crackling blinding strikes of his own. His inner turmoil, fueled by the swords thirst for vengence, belies his outward confidence. Hopefully he has underestimated me..., as he seeks openings in his opponents defense.

Bahir takes his opportunity to attack and steps forward to get within range of the large stone man. With his blade's desire for vengeance and the Paladin's desire to smite evil, Bahir trusts forward with an intensity that you haven't seen in ages. Clearly Obherak wasn't expecting it either, considering his pray to be an easy one. The Paladin easily cuts through the Shaitian's defenses, his frosted blade slicing up Obherak like soft butter. A look of horror and shock is plain to see on his face as he fails to deflect the puny man. He nearly falls from the assault, but manages to keep himself upright. Silence falls among the previously rowdy crowd.

All four attacks hit, crit confirms. A 27 is just enough. The smite making the difference. Total damage is 117. He's not down.

Anyone else doing anything? Or shall I just advance to their next action?

With everyone else holding or maintaining their readiness, Obherak stumbles backwards a couple of feet almost as if to retreat. But then he looks left and right at all the other Shaitians staring right at him. In a moment of idiotic bravery, he yells out, "You will pay for that!" and moves in to do his finishing blows.

With amazing focus, Obherak draws Bahir off and surprises him with an excellently crafted swing that digs deep across his abdomen. With a flash of light, pain sears through the Paladin's body as he burns from the inside. Flames erupt momentarily from up around Bahir's waist as the blade cuts through. Nearly falling from his injuries, he manages to call upon the strength of the Dawnflower moments before he loses consciousnesses. Her healing brings him back to the living just long enough to get smacked again by the Shaitian's powerful blow that cuts deep into his shoulder, threatening to sever his arm. This is nearly too much for him as he almost collapses to the ground, his blood beginning to spill into the sand. The Shaitian's third strike clanks hard against the Paladin's armor. The other Shaitians cheer and make a ruckus as their leader nearly puts the one who challenged him down.

Bahir: I assumed you'd use your hero's defiance, otherwise you would have been killed instead of just severely wounded. You are now at 1 HP. Greater Mercy kept you up!

"The victory is mine!" shouts Obherak, loud enough for everyone to hear. The pain he is suffering is clear in his voice, but he continues nonetheless. "A new captive I shall take today." Despite his condition, he keeps his defenses up in case the Paladin foolishly tries to attack again.

Hazreem cannot see what just happened but it did not take a genius to determine what just occured. "Not if I have anything to say about it!" He mutters softly to himself as he activates his wand to open a hole in the wall of stone.

Ready action triggered. Use Wand of Stone Shape to open a hole in the wall large enough for Bahir to escape through, if he so chooses.
Wand 31/50 charges

OUCH! Just as an aside that changes very little: the original 1d6 fire damage is not normally rolled for again in the critical multiplier damage (still gets the 1d10 extra tho - assuming flaming burst). Soooo, I may have a whole 6 hit points, goooo me :)

Through the opening hole in the stone wall you can all see the form of the paladin still reeling from what must have been mighty blows. The distinct smell of charred human flesh suddenly washes over you, obviously coming from a horrible sizzling wound across his stomach that leaks smoking blood into the sands beneath the holy warrior. Worse, his shield arm hangs all but uselessly at his side covered in more blood pouring freely from a grizzly gash in his his shoulder...

...The incredible pain is almost too much to bear, I ...have ...to ...stay ...awake. Even the Dawnflower's warm healing energies do very little except to keep him from falling into the blackness that is unconsciousness. Fueled from the swords desire for revenge Bahir's face twists with fury. His strikes come from more instinct than any coherent thought as he hacks viciously at the shaitan with his remaining good arm and shouts, "DIE DEMON!"